Page 112 of Surly Sheriff
“A job well done, Deputy Graham,” Beau said, eyeing his lone female deputy. Blonde, tall, and slim, she’d joined the department about four years ago, Sheriff Holden’s last hire before his death. At first, he hadn’t liked the woman, finding her abrasive and overt flirtatious behavior grating, but over the years, he’d come to accept her and respect her. She was very competent in her job and never turned her wiles on him, nor anyone within the sheriff’s office. Outside these walls, though, any male was fair game. “Nebraska State Patrol and DEA are singing your praises.”
A light flush stained her face. “Thank you, Sheriff.”
“So well, both are threatening to poach you for themselves.” Felicity Graham had come to him with her suspicion of a drug operation operating within the county about a month ago. After listening to the detailed reports she’d collected after weeks of diligent investigating, he’d contacted the state patrol. The busthad taken place two nights ago, and she had spent yesterday in Lincoln tying up loose ends.
“You trying to get rid of me, Sheriff Stirling?”
He didn’t miss the hint of humor in her tone. “Not at all. You’re my most experienced deputy, and the work you did with them to locate and neutralize the drug operation was outstanding.” He cocked his head, wondering anew what had brought the former Denver PD detective to Clearbrook, Nebraska. “But your talents are wasted in Clearbrook, and it would be remiss of me to hold you back.”
“I am happy here.”
“And I am very pleased to hear that. In fact—”
“You spent the night with her!”
Beau’s gaze snapped up to see his sister barrel through the doorway.
His deputy scraped back her chair. “That’s my cue to leave,” she said, aiming a heavy scowl at Bella.
“How could you?” Bella ranted on. “After all she did, the pain she caused you … One day, and you’re back under her spell.”
“Watch yourself, Belinda.” It was rare he used his sister’s full name, but shehadcrossed the line.
Yesterday.
And now.
“She’s a … asuccubus. Seducing you with a pretty face and bunch of lies.”
“Quiet,” he bellowed, shoving to his feet.
But his sister was undeterred. “She walked out on you, Beau. Abandoned you. Worse, she kept your son from you. Or maybe the kid’s not yours.”
“Jack is mine.” He rounded his desk. “And it’s best you leave, Bella. Before you say something irreparable. Oh wait, you already did that. Yesterday. When you chased my wife from your storewhile my son was present.”
Bella reared back. “Bet she cried on your shoulder about that. Poor little Raegan.”
“We never discussed it. Oliver told me.”
“Traitor.”
“No, Bella. He was right to tell me.”
“IsaidJack was welcome. Withouther.”
“How kind of you,” he snapped. “As far as Jack is concerned, you’re a nasty lady, and he never wants to go back to your store. You upset his mother and the kid loves his momma.”
“Well” — Bella tossed her head back — “she should never have come to the store. What did she expect? A fatted calf?”
“She had your back six years ago. Maybe she expected a chance to explain.To make amends.”
Bella snorted. “Like she made amends last night with you? Explained while spreading her legs?”
“Enough!” he bellowed.
Bella jumped.
“Get out. And until you can hold your mouth and listen to reason, you will refrain from talking to my wife or my son.”
